Predicting 4 Quarters of the 2014 NFL Draft

By Staff Writer John Manuel:

My predictions and tips of what to watch in the 2014 NFL Draft, especially on Thursday night!

1^st Quarter:    

Sammy Watkins ends up in the top three picks I bet.  Each year someone gets excited about a player and makes sure they jump up high enough to get him.  Last year was Tavon Austin as the Rams jumped into the top ten.  Everyone seems to have concerns about the quarterbacks at the top but not a guy like Watkins.  Everyone has been waiting over two years for him to be draft eligible.

I know placing Sammy in the top three isn’t a huge stretch but I think the first half hour after Clowney goes #1 will be the discussion of all the teams in on picks 2 or 3 for Watkins.  Teams like Tampa and Detroit seem to be really active this off-season so maybe they jump.  Maybe they scare the Raiders to jump up also.

2^nd Quarter

Could this be Chris Berman’s last draft?  Please hope so.  I am shocked that ESPN has not made the move to go with Trey Wingo as their lead or Mike Tirico even.  The NFL Network can never take over as the main draft network but Berman can’t be helping.  I have made the switch over in recent drafts and think so should you.

ESPN wasn’t afraid to replace Jon Miller and Joe Morgan or Jaws.  But they can’t find a way to cut ties with Berman or Cris Carter.  I am cool with Jon Gruden and the legendary Mel Kiper but they can’t overcome the old Bermanisms.  At least the NFL Network gives us an alternative.  Can’t wait for Berman’s talk on Johnny Football.

3^rd Quarter

One team to watch on day one of the draft is the San Francisco 49ers even though they are picking late in the first round.  The 49ers had to watch their bitter rivals walk away with the Lombardi Trophy last February and it had to piss them off.  Plus, the other two teams in the division look like they could be contenders also.  Last draft the Niners jumped up and grabbed Eric Reid in the middle of the first round to address an important need at safety.  Could they do this again?

I am not saying the 49ers are in a win now because the door is closing mode since they do have plenty of young talent, but you have to think the cannot sit pat and possibly watch the Seahawks roll towards a repeat.  Most importantly they have plenty of early round picks to go up and grab a player they are interested in.  Maybe another immediate contributor to the secondary or a pass rusher who can be ready with the uncertainty of Aldon Smith.  Or maybe snag another QB with one of their 3^rd rounders as a future trade chip?  Or precaution even though Kaepernick looks to be in OK shape.  After 3 straights NFC title game appearances I still feel the Niners are starting to get frustrated they haven’t lifted the Super Bowl trophy yet.

4^th Quarter    

Let’s go for the winning score with this one.  This NFL Draft could set a very important record and I am not talking about how many wide receivers go in round one.  This could be the greatest draft for wives, girlfriends and last second dates for green room draftees.  Just check bustedcoverage.com and you will agree quickly.

Blake Bortles will be the talk of the first hour for sure!  Johnny Manziel has most likely hired a team to interview and help him select a Playmate, Victoria Secret Model or some other hottie to go with him on Thursday to Radio City Music Hall.  He may just grab a Rockette 10 minutes before.  Keep an eye on this as the first round rolls!